newlyweds Peter McGraith and David Cabreza. The first gay couples have tied the knot in the UK. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act came into force in England and Wales in July last year, and the first weddings took place at midnight on March 29 local time. Acting Chief Executive of Stonewall Ruth Hunt says same-sex weddings have come "at long last" She says when the gay rights organisation was founded 25 years ago it was illegal to discuss same-sex relationships in schools. "We could be fired from our jobs, were forbidden from serving our country in the military and had no legal recognition for our relationships," she says. "We’ve come so far since then. Last night, at shortly after midnight, the first same-sex couples exchanged their wedding vows. These ceremonies symbolise the fact that, for the first time ever, lesbian, gay and bisexual people are equal under the law of this country. "This morning we’re seeing the first joyous pictures from up and down the country of the couples who are declaring their love and commitment to one another in the same way as their heterosexual friends and family. "These images send an immeasurably powerful signal to every young person growing up to be lesbian, gay and bisexual in this country. You can be who you are, love who you love and achieve anything you want - regardless of your sexual orientation. "Around the world these celebrations stand as a beacon to those fighting for their own fundamental freedoms. Whilst our journeys are unique, our ambition to love and live freely is shared."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 30th March 2014 - 10:22am